Human Nature

 

Human Nature

 

What is it about human nature that makes us polar opposites?  Take a moment, reflect on those around you. … Are all the people you know named Steve or Sharon generous people? Is every Kevin and Karen bold? Perhaps human nature cannot be confined to a name; perhaps human nature is in our core being. The Nature versus Nurture theory.  Is it freedom of choice or demand of ego?

 

What makes one person stop on a highway and pick up a turtle who was trying to cross the roadway and another person simply run over the top and crush this living being? What drives one person to commit time and money when they find a wild animal orphan in need? This person will drive hours and donate money (often funds which they have do not have) to ensure the necessary care required will be possible! What encourages one person to leap in and volunteer at charities and another repeat the mantra ‘I am too busy’.    

 

One person will see a nest of crows who have fallen and say ‘well its just nature’ and ignore the vocalizations. Another will say the same thing BUT they will watch for signs of distress. They will connect with professional agencies who can answer questions and guide through the next right step. One person will see a group of Striped Skunks and run away screaming and demanding killing or trapping to take them away (which is the same thing only more suffering involved). Another person will see the group and watch for normal signs of behavior. They will rejoice in the reality these animals dig up underground wasp nests and keep rodent populations in check. One person will ignore the guidelines suggested for the best times to allow their domestic cats outside (which is around mid-day) or ignore the recommendations to keep their dogs on leash when hiking. These people treat the wilderness as their own personal habitat to abuse and yet another will spend hours picking up litter including plastic water bottles, dog feces, candy bar wrappers etc. which is not their own. One person will view the wilds of North Idaho as their personal back yard and all the inhabitants should bow down to the desires. Each animal is to be dominated and made a ‘pet’.

 

A wildlife rehabilitator is a licensed experienced professional. These dedicated few choose to commit their lives to this calling. It is in their nature to nurture. Audrey Hepburn said eloquently that ‘hard work is never so hard as when it is done with love’. Most wildlife rehabilitators are volunteer based and solely community supported. What greater statement of love is there?

 

Keeping North Idaho WILD is a necessity. It is why we all live here. It is why we all love our lives here. Despite the hardships we can always step out our door and listen to the sounds of birds calling, see pine squirrels racing around the trees, find foot prints in the mud from the assorted native neighbors, and perhaps be fortunate enough to locate one of the handful of reptiles or amphibians tough enough to call North Idaho home.

 

The wild animals have survived for hundreds of years without human intervention. They have maintained that line of respect and fear. They do not need us to ‘help’ them survive. However, we humans have created such a rapidly changed environment these last 100 years the wild animals cannot adapt. We humans have not held dear that line of respect and fear.  Is it human nature to want to dominate and put ourselves first? Is it human nature to view oneself as part of a whole?

 

Every day wild animal rehabilitators see the traumas which are inflicted upon the patients. 90 percent of patients admitted for care are a direct result of humans. Some of these injuries are purely accidental and the rescuers are such tenderhearted people. The rehabilitator is meeting a kindred spirit. Some of these injuries are a direct act of cruelty or ignorance. These rescuers are lacking in awareness and education. The only way a rehabilitation facility is able to continue from one decade to the next is with strong community support and awareness. Please help American Heritage Wildlife Foundation continue into a third decade. Ask local humane societies to expand into a wildlife ward. Seek corporate sponsorship or commissioner support to build a facility which can be staffed. Collaborate with friends to create a wildlife paramedic ambulance service.